An Unseen Life

Jesus teaches in Matthew chapter 6 of an unseen life of a believer.

When we give our money to God's work, we are not to make some big, flashy announcement as the hypocrites do in the synagogues (verse 2). Rather we are to give quietly and without any fanfare. This will test the truest motive of our heart because no one knows we gave, so we will not be acknowledged and praised.

Jesus says when you pray to go into a secret place like the closet, close the door and shut out the eyes of a prying world, for the Father sees in secret and will reward us openly (verse 6). Sadly, how many prayer meetings have turned into a platform for someone to be showy and dramatic with their prayers, long winded and poetic, but missing the mark altogether? God will not hear such prayers that are uttered in pride and self adoration!

And Jesus warns in times of fasting not to make some pitiful display of an outward show of self abased humility and repentance (verse 16). Rather, Jesus says, wash your face and look your brightest as you do any other day so not to draw attention to yourself (verse 18).

I believe the giving in secret, praying in a hidden place and fasting with a bright and cheerful countenance hinges on verses 22 and 23, it says: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (KJV).

When our hearts are divided with the interest of the world's attention and approval, we lose singleness of eye and have a fragmented heart toward the things of God. This only brings darkness and confusion in whatever we do for the Lord because our motives are not right.

Beloved, let's give, pray and fast looking for no return from the world but rather let the Lord acknowledge those efforts.